I visited Antigua Guatemala on a day trip while vacationing in El Salvador by joining a tour offered by the hotel I was staying at. As is often the case with organized tours, we were rushed through some of the major sites with barely enough time to snap a few pictures. Of course, Antigua has a lot more to offer but here's what I managed to visit during my whirlwind day trip to the pretty town of Antigua.

Antigua (meaning old in Spanish) is a small town made up of colorful Spanish colonial buildings. It's cradled by three imposing volcanoes namely Agua, Pacaya and Acatenango. The incredibly well-preserved ruins found around Antigua are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so.

Antigua was the capital of Guatemala up until 1773 when yet another earthquake dethroned it of its title. Every year, travellers flock to Antigua to visit its beautiful historical center. What’s more, the old city center of Antigua is quite small and all the sites are within walking distance of each other.

TOP THINGS TO SEE IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO

Built in the 18th century, the ornate facade of this church is adorned with several niches containing statues of saints and friars. The twisted columns evoke a Spanish baroque style made popular during that century. After the earthquake in 1773, most of the church was left in ruins but some of it has been partially restored.

Make sure to take note of some of the beautifully detailed frescoes still visible on the crumbling walls inside the church. The finely manicured gardens and pretty courtyards give the Church of San Francisco an eerily romantic feel.

CATEDRAL DE SANTIAGO

Dating back to the mid-16th century, this cathedral was also severely damaged during the 1773 earthquake. Miraculously, the white-washed facade remained relatively intact. However, it did have some restoration work done over the years.

Judging by its exterior, you would expect the interior to be in the same flawless state. Although equally beautiful, the dilapidated interior was left in its post-earthquake condition. The many brick-covered arches, intricately chiseled columns and open-sky domes render this site incredibly photogenic.

PARQUE CENTRAL

From giddy teenagers wearing school uniforms to elderly men caught up in an engaging conversation, Parque Central is the ideal gathering place for both Antiguenos and visitors alike. As the name suggests, it's in the center of town typical of the way old plazas were built.

Join in the favorite local pastime by doing some people-watching or by simply treating yourself to a refreshing gelado while relaxing in the shade. The white-washed column-clad colonial style government building faces this pretty park.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF ANTIGUA

Mayan men and women dressed in their intricately-embroidered traditional clothing can still be seen roaming the streets of Antigua. It's estimated that 55% of the population in Guatemala are indigenous. Their presence definitely adds an element of novelty to this charming old town but that doesn't mean they should be treated as tourist attractions.

I understand it may be tempting to take photos of Indigenous people but remember to be courteous and respectful. Before hastily snapping a pic, make sure to first ask for their permission especially when wanting to photograph their children. Some people might refuse to be photographed based on their beliefs and customs. Or they simply don't want to be photographed, fair enough.

AS SEEN IN ANTIGUA

I just love noticing the small intricacies of places I visit. Antigua was no exception. For example, these tiles embedded in the sidewalk indicate reserved parking for motorcycles and wheelchair-bound drivers. I haven't seen this anywhere else!

My favorite, though, was the unique windows. I was told by the guide that these windows were called "Padre Celoso" (Jealous Father). Their purpose was to keep potential lovers away from their daughters hence the thorn vines and wrought-iron bars.

Obviously, my day trip to the pretty town of Antigua only allowed me to barely scratch the surface. However, I do intend on going back to Guatemala to explore more of this intriguing country!